Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS' expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer to join our CSS group located in Herndon, VA. The CSS group provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The selected candidate will be an integral participant in derived-requirements definition, system integration, test, and verification for spacecraft and associated flight-payload/ground systems; including working closely with the mechanical I&T team, as well as the spacecraft development team in the full life-cycle of spacecraft systems.
• Independently performs difficult/complex engineering work with instructions as to the general expected results.
• Documents findings, communicates results to engineering staff, makes technical presentations, and may represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single component projects.
• Provides direction to design or technical staff and may lead a team of moderately experienced professional staff.
• Significant hands-on efforts in support of integration and test activities, as well as developing and implementing electrical integration procedures for flight vehicle assembly and the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required to successfully accomplish spacecraft integration, test, and development efforts.
• Formulates test plans for component level, subsystem level and system level testing, typically based on engineering ICDs, system requirement documentation and program requirements; and ensures documentation meets various compliance, reporting, and safety standards.
• Evaluates the integration of the engineering solution within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing, maintenance, and engineering updates completed.
• Supports operation of engineering systems and documents any problems.
• Devises new approaches to resolve unusual or complex engineering problems.
• Troubleshoot conflicting design/development requirements, difficult coordination requirements, and special material requirements.
• Provides documentation and makes technical presentations as required.
• May represent the organization as the prime technical contact on small contracts or single component projects.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply. Also note that we operate on a 9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; six or more years of experience with a bachelor’s degree, four or more years of experience with a master’s degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Must have a thorough understanding of engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and expanding knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
• Must possess the ability to develop and communicate new concepts; apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment; organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases; and, determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
• Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to perform complex tasks in one or more engineering areas; capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact and lead a team of moderately experienced professional employees on single component projects.
• Extensive experience with CAD and/or FEA software such as Solidworks, NASTRAN or ANSYS is required.
• Extensive experience with hands-on assembly work is required, can be with components of any type and within any industry. Successful candidate will have a desire to continue to be involved in hands-on work.
• Previous experience with satellite space systems including familiarity with all aspects of the satellite system design life cycle, including spacecraft level environmental testing, launch, and operations is desirable.
• Experience in hardware spacecraft testing, environmental testing, and test requirements is highly desirable.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Able to work extended hours as required.
• US Citizenship is required as is the ability to get and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary:$98,100 - $171,398